She's a true fighter

For 27-year-old Nadie, a professional singer, knows better than most that the path to stardom is fraught with difficulties.

And like Anastasia, Nadie is pleased to have found success after more than a few knockbacks, thanks to her tribute act to the singer.

"She's a true fighter," said Nadie, of the American star. "She was rejected and rejected by the record industry but she didn't give up.

"I just like the fact she's so very gutsy. She's very similar to me."

Like Anastasia, London-based Nadie has a very powerful singing voice, as well as a strong personality.

She said: "To do a tribute act, you have to have a strong character. There are lots of tributes out there and the crowds soon learn to sort the wheat from the chaff.

"When you're up there on stage, you have to forget everything you are as a person. So it really does help if there are some similarities with the star to draw on."

In particular, Nadie loves performing at festivals, which is why she's so excited about appearing at Arts in the Park on Saturday.

She said: "I've done the Matthew Street festival in Liverpool, as well as a couple of others down south.

"I love looking out and seeing a sea of faces. It's so much fun to have that kind of euphoric atmosphere, where you look out and see everybody looking back.

"I'm a festival girl myself - I've been to Glastonbury and V2 as a fan. I think they're good for the soul!"

Meanwhile, away from her tribute act, Nadie is embarking on a number of projects, including writing and recording her new album.

"So watch this space," she declares, with typical Anastasia-style ebullience. "Maybe somebody will be performing a Nadie tribute in a few years' time!"

Catch Nadie on the Blackburn College main stage on Saturday at 4pm.

Full four-page picture special in Monday's Telegraph